[Stabler enters Paxton's office, after spending 2 days in solitary, at his own choice]
Where the hell have you been?
The hall. I wanna drop the charges.
Don't be a wuss, Stabler. You took a bad trip in your own head, and now what? You feel sorry for Donovan? Well, that's your problem. Mine is convicting a would-be cop killer, who thinks doing a little time gives him the right to whack the first cop who looks at him cross-eyed.
It's not that simple.
Actually, it is. If Donovan walks it's open season on law enforcement, for any perp that did a day in the hall.
Look, you don't have to set him a precedent. Just cut him a deal.
If I plea-bargain Donovan, he's out in 5 years, and then what? Does he run down the cop who pulls him over for speeding? I won't take that chance.
I'll report you for assault. The DA will suspend you.
Go ahead. [pauses and then smiles] Thought so. You may have lost your balls in lock-up, but I still got mine.
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